Dempsey loan rumors to fuel hot stove

There's a little bit of a thing that happens when you play in a non-world class league but have a world class talent. It accelerates during a World Cup year and when the world knows that the player is able and allowed to go on loan during his long for soccer offseason. This thing is called rumors. And the loan rumors about Clint Dempsey continue to fuel the hot stove fires.

The latest log on that fire is the Guardian rumor linking Dempsey to Newcastle.

Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey is also likely to be offered a loan deal by Alan Pardew, who is hopeful Tottenham Hotspur won't take up their option to bring the USA striker and amateur hip-hop enthusiast back to White Hart Lane during the MLS close season. Aston Villa, Southampton and Fulham are also interested in borrowing the man some call Deuce.

Richard Farley over at ProSoccerTalk finds this rumor to have a little bit of credibility because Clint would be likely to play at Newcastle. He adds on that Everton and Liverpool have also been linked to Seattle's number two.

Earlier this week a report even had Clint linked to West Ham United, going so far to call them the favourites.

Fact is, after a full month off from all soccer Clint may wind up in England for a short loan while Seattle is going through its time trials and roster whittling. Or not. He could join the team prior to First Kick (rumored to be about March 8th) or later.

One thing that's as certain as Christmas songs playing too early in retail establishments is that Clint Dempsey is going to be linked to a lot of teams and a lot of times.